Our Scripture reading today is Luke 8:40-42.
Verse 40, "And it came to pass, that, when Jesus was returned, the people gladly received him: for they were all waiting for him."
The fame of Jesus and His miracle working power continues to spread. The people in Capernaum were there waiting and probably hoping to see one of His miracles. This was a completely different reception from what He just left in Gadara. It does not mean everyone waiting believed Jesus was the Messiah.
The Word of God shows us that in order to be a child of God, we must receive Jesus Christ. John 1:12, "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:." We must believe that He is the Son of God and the only sufficient sacrifice for the penalty of our sins. Our receiving Him is not based on emotion, but based on our faith in the Word of God. We must continue to receive Him each and every day we live. Not for salvation, but for our sanctification. We receive Him gladly when we open God's Word and apply His principles to our lives. John 17:17, "Sanctify them through thy truth: they word is truth."